Maritime Sensor Unit Multi-Angle Laser Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maritime vessel sensors face challenges in effectively detecting and processing data from objects in the maritime environment, particularly in preventing collisions due to limitations in sensor technology and data processing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor unit with multiple laser transmitters and detectors configured to transmit and detect laser pulses at various elevation angles, combined with cameras capable of detecting visual and infrared light, and a processor that analyzes sensor and camera data to determine object characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple laser transmitters transmit sensing laser pulses simultaneously at different elevation angles, then the detection precision and object characterization capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is segmented into multiple laser transmitters (first plurality) and detectors (second plurality), each responsible for specific elevation angles. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-angle detection, improving measurement precision while distributing system complexity across modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-angle to multi-angle detection by adding the elevation angle dimension. Laser transmitters are configured to emit pulses at different first elevation angles, and detectors are positioned to receive reflections at different second elevation angles, creating a three-dimensional detection capability that enhances object characterization
2Measurement precision
If laser detection unit detects reflected laser pulses from multiple elevation angles, then the object characterization capability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives and integrates sensor signals from multiple detectors observing at different elevation angles. It combines these multi-angle measurements to determine comprehensive object characteristics, simplifying the overall detection process while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges data from multiple detection channels (different elevation angles) into a unified object characterization. The processor combines sensor signals from the second plurality of detectors to form a complete picture of the object's properties, transforming complex multi-angle data into actionable information
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor unit covers a wide elevation angle range for comprehensive sensing, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation angle range is segmented into multiple discrete first elevation angles, each handled by a dedicated laser transmitter. This segmentation provides comprehensive angular coverage while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit achieves multi-functionality by configuring laser transmitters and detectors to operate across multiple elevation angles within a predefined range. This universal design allows the same sensor unit to detect objects at various angles without requiring separate detection systems for each angle
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances the detection and characterization of objects in the maritime environment, reducing the risk of collisions by providing accurate and comprehensive sensor data for vessel navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of laser transmitters, each laser transmitter of the first plurality of laser transmitters being configured to simultaneously transmit a sensing laser pulse
Implementation Method 2
a laser detection unit, wherein the laser detection unit comprises a second plurality of detectors. Detectors of the second plurality of detectors are configured to detect reflected laser pulse
Implementation Method 3
at least one camera... an RGB camera for detecting the visual light wave spectrum and an infrared camera for detecting the infrared light wave spectrum
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A system (100) for operating in a maritime environment with a vessel (101). The vessel (101) comprises a sensor unit (103). The sensor unit (103) comprises a first plurality of laser transmitters (105), each laser transmitter of the plurality of laser transmitters (105) being configured to simultaneously transmit a sensing laser pulse towards a common azimuth angle and at different first elevation angles of a predefined elevation angle range. The sensor unit (103) comprises a laser detection unit (107). The laser detection unit (107) further comprises a second plurality of detectors. Detectors of the second plurality of detectors are configured to detect reflected laser pulse originating from reflections of the sensing laser pulses on at least one object in the maritime environment at the common azimuth angle and at different second elevation angles of the predefined elevation angle range. The sensor unit (103) further comprises at least one camera (109a, 109b). The vessel (101) further comprises a processor (111), configured to receive sensor signals from each of the detectors, to receive camera signals from the at least one camera (109a, 109b), and to determine a characteristic of the at least one object based on the received sensor signals and the received camera signals.